As the only local bodybuilding show held in 2025, Mr 001 exposed persistent organisational weaknesses in Kenyan bodybuilding, including delays, athlete welfare issues, and missing categories.
Image: Fit Savanna
Unlike the Iron Classic Show and the MMEA, which were cancelled a few months ago, the Mr 001 event actually happened, and for that alone, it deserves credit.
But simply showing up is no longer enough; not for athletes who diet for months, not for fans who sit through heat and delays, and not for a sport trying to professionalise East Africa to the levels of South or West Africa.
Held over the weekend of Friday 12th and Saturday 13th at the Coast Gymkhana Grounds in Mombasa, Mr 001 2025 delivered several memorable moments, especially for athletes.
Unfortunately, it also exposed the same organisational weaknesses that continue to hold local bodybuilding shows back.
There is a common stereotype about timekeeping in Kenya, one I disagree with, but the events of Mr 001 made it hard to ignore.
The event was scheduled to start at 9:00 am, but proceedings only kicked off past 11:00 am, immediately setting the tone for a long night that dragged on until nearly 3:00 am.
One of the most glaring issues was competitor welfare. There was initially no tent or shaded waiting area for athletes preparing to go on stage.
Competitors (novice categories) were left exposed to the intense Mombasa heat, visibly struggling as they waited their turn.
The situation became so severe that audience members complained about athletes’ feet being scorched by the overheated stage, prompting organisers to pour water on it to cool it down.
Ironically, it was only after the novice men qualifiers that a tent was finally erected; far too late for many competitors who had already endured hours under the sun.
Food availability was another major concern.
There were no food vendors on site, and whilst drinks and water were available initially, they ran out by the end of the day, leaving both athletes and spectators stranded.
As the show progressed, frustrations grew around judging delays.
The audience repeatedly complained that judges took too long to make decisions between rounds, a delay that significantly contributed to the show running until nearly 3:00 am.
Audio quality was another recurring complaint. In many instances, the MC's voice was barely audible, leaving spectators confused about category transitions, results, and announcements.
There were also concerns around prize money distribution.
Whilst first-place winners reportedly received their full cash awards, competitors who placed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th claimed that the amounts in their envelopes were less than what had been announced.
Whether intentional or not, this erodes trust. Competitive bodybuilding already demands huge financial sacrifice from athletes. Reducing payouts without clear communication is not just bad optics but also damaging to the sport.
Additionally, the Mombasa Governor, who was expected to attend, did not show up.
Finally, complaints emerged that the proximity between KES 5,000 and KES 10,000 ticket holders effectively erased the perceived value difference between VIP and VVIP tickets.
Perhaps the most disappointing and arguably the most criticised omission was the complete absence of a Women's Physique category.
This decision directly affected Zulaika Najuma from Uganda, one of the most muscular female athletes at the show.
With nowhere appropriate to compete, she was forced into Women's Figure, only to be penalised repeatedly for being "too muscular."
That isn't her failure. That's the system's.
For a regional show aiming to grow, excluding Women's Physique sends the wrong message, especially when the talent is clearly present.
Mr 001 deserves credit for including a category for people living with disability.
But with only two competitors and awards limited to a medal and a packet of milk, many felt the gesture stopped short of meaningful recognition.
If inclusivity is going to be part of the show's identity, then the respect, rewards, and presentation must match the effort these athletes put in.
Despite the issues, the athletes showed up, and the stage still produced exceptional physiques and deserving winners.
Judging duties were led by Lisa Cox, an experienced international judge.
Guya's win felt less like a surprise and more like a confirmation.
After taking Classic Physique at MMEA last year, his overall victory here cemented his status as one of the region's most complete bodybuilders.
Special mention goes to Joseph Wesonga (@alpha_wes_), who recently placed 2nd at the NPC African Championships 2025 (Class E) in South Africa on 6th December, just one spot shy of an IFBB Pro Card, and still managed a 3rd place finish in Men's Physique at Mr 001.
Joseph "Joe Ripper" Kabugi's win in Men's Physique felt significant for reasons beyond the trophy.
Fresh off his MMEA Men's Physique title last year, Joe Ripper has since publicly hinted that he is done with local shows, setting his sights squarely on the international stage and an IFBB Pro card.
As noted earlier, he was ahead of Joseph Wesonga, an athlete who recently came one position away from earning an IFBB Pro card at the NPC African Championships in South Africa.
That context makes Joe Ripper's victory impossible to ignore.
Obviously beating Wesonga doesn't automatically guarantee international success. The global Men's Physique stage is ruthless.
But it does suggest that the gap between local champions and international contenders may be smaller than we like to admit.
The conditioning, structure, and confidence are clearly present. What remains to be seen is how his look stacks up against knurlier, more muscular, and brutal international lineups.
Another thing is, what incentive does a reigning MMEA Men's Physique champion, now a Mr 001 winner, have to keep showing up to events where shows start hours late, athlete welfare feels like an afterthought, prize money becomes a post-show rumour, and categories are inconsistently structured?
This is how local bodybuilding quietly loses its best athletes; not through dramatic exits, but through attrition. Former Mr 001 champion Hanif Msallam, Richard Gitau, and Evelyn Okinyi Owala now regularly compete internationally, having moved beyond the local scene.
Either way, Ripper's message is clear: local domination may no longer be the goal.
In the days following the event, the Mr 001 organising committee released an official statement apologising for challenges related to service providers, unfinished stage setup, and poor PA sound quality.
The statement emphasised passion, sacrifice, and the fact that Mr 001 was the only bodybuilding event staged this year.
Whilst the acknowledgement was welcome, it raised new concerns, particularly amongst athletes.
"We sincerely apologise to our athletes, fans, and supporters for the challenges experienced during the event, particularly regarding service provider issues, unfinished stage setup, and PA sound quality. These shortcomings do not reflect our respect for the athletes or the sport."
In the comments under the post, some competitors and supporters claimed that certain athletes were left out without ever performing, effectively losing months of preparation with no explanation.
That issue was not addressed in the official statement.
Apologies matter, but in a sport where preparation is expensive, physically brutal, and time-sensitive, clarity matters more.
Who was affected? Why did it happen? And how will athletes be protected from this in future editions?
Until those questions are answered, the apology feels incomplete.
That depends on who you ask.
But it proved that Kenyan bodybuilding has the talent, the fanbase, and the hunger for big shows.
However, it also highlighted persistent issues around event planning, athlete welfare, transparency, and inclusivity.
The athletes showed up prepared. The fans showed up patient. Now, the challenge is for organisers to match that commitment.
Mr 001 has the potential to be a flagship event. But potential alone doesn't build credibility. Execution does.
And until that improves, the sport - and its athletes - will continue to pay the price.
Editor's Note: *The list of winners may be incomplete, as participants were announced using competition tags rather than full names. Fit Savanna has made several attempts to reach the organisers, and some competitors, without success. If you notice any omissions or inaccuracies, please share the missing details via [email protected]. Thank you.*
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